Lateral Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With a Gracilis Allograft

Isolated medial patellar subluxation (MPS), in the absence of a previous lateral retinacular release, is a poorly recognized clinical condition characterized by chronic anterior knee pain that is exacerbated with knee flexion. This type of patellar instability is often overlooked, and a high index of suspicion is needed for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe a surgical technique to reconstruct the lateral patellofemoral ligament with an allograft gracilis tendon. By restoring stability to the lateral side of the patella, this minimally invasive technique successfully treats cases of isolated MPS.